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Re: Which method to cut bronze pipe?

Actually, I take that back. I do have some advice. Which is to not overthink things here. A good hacksaw is easy, quick and plenty accurate enough. No need for anything more complicated than this:

Each cut took less than thirty seconds or so, if I recall. I do remember being surprised at how well that saw went through the pipe after a lifetime of using cheap, flimsy, hardware store hacksaws. Never again.

I'm becoming more discerning about tools because of this forum. Maybe a quality hacksaw is next for me.

I'm just curious why the pipe cutter was not mentioned much. It cuts without making sawdust. And it makes a square cut by default.

Re: Which method to cut bronze pipe?

I'm becoming more discerning about tools because of this forum. Maybe a quality hacksaw is next for me.

I'm just curious why the pipe cutter was not mentioned much. It cuts without making sawdust. And it makes a square cut by default.

I think Denise suggested a pipe cutter (like a big tubing cutter). I did try it, however the only one I could find was at Harbor Freight. I did buy it because it was cheap, but I paid way too much. It only succeeded in making a nice spiral groove around the pipe and there was absolutely no way to adjust the tracking. Totally worthless. However I’m sure a quality tool from somewhere else would have been fine. But when I realized how easy the hacksaw was, I quit experimenting.

But just think of all the time you will save in not having to paint the stanchions ever again. Plus the satisfaction of watching those turn a nice shade of greenish brown to match your mast... It's gotta be worth it.

Sorry it was there. A modern solid hacksaw is completely different tool from the old wobbly ones.

LOL!

Originally Posted by ron ll

I think Denise suggested a pipe cutter (like a big tubing cutter). I did try it, however the only one I could find was at Harbor Freight. I did buy it because it was cheap, but I paid way too much. It only succeeded in making a nice spiral groove around the pipe and there was absolutely no way to adjust the tracking. Totally worthless. However I’m sure a quality tool from somewhere else would have been fine. But when I realized how easy the hacksaw was, I quit experimenting.

That's pretty bad but I'm not real surprised given where you got it. It must have been a reject from quality control that they were trying to liquidate. The tube cutter and pipe cutter I have work well. Everything is lined up so it doesn't produce a spiral groove. However, that could be used to create interesting effects but that will be for another thread and another time.

Re: Which method to cut bronze pipe?

When I (stupidly) bought the pipe cutter at Harbor Freight, there were four on the shelf. All four boxes had been opened, which should have been my first clue that they don’t work. It was only 16 bucks, which should have been my second clue.

Re: Which method to cut bronze pipe?

I had that same experience with a special wrench for replacing faucet washers. The one I bought in a big box store had tape. When I tried to use it, it turned out the metal was too thin so it distorted. I returned it. I went to a local hardware store that is, well, more connected to the local community and got a faucet wrench made of thicker metal.

Another red flag is if they have a large stack of neat looking tools such as a jigsaw stacked up with a big "on sale" sign. I bought one and it turned out to be a piece of junk.

Re: Which method to cut bronze pipe?

I had an excavator here today (barn slab) & he had a 5 lb. 12" handle hammer for pounding stakes. $5 @ Harbor freight. As he put it: "I've lost a bunch of these on sites over the years - so this is perfect. Thing is, I've had it longer than any of the others"